Veteran Business Project provides support for veterans on their road to becoming business owners. Last year, an Air Force veteran, Luke McDonald, contacted VBP with questions about purchasing a martial arts studio. We are pleased to highlight Luke’s story on his successful path to business ownership.

Luke’s brother, Dane, first learned about the opportunity to purchase the Brick City Martial Arts from the previous owner, whom he trained under. Today, Luke and his brother co-own the martial arts studio. Most of the self-defense studio’s students are youth who range in age from 3-13. The studio excels with this age group by making classes fun and engaging while keeping the traditions of the arts embedded in their training. Adult martial arts classes are offered, ranging from beginners to advanced students, and for those looking for group-training workouts, classes like cardio kickboxing are available.

Luke began martial arts classes at the age of ten and competed nationally for three years. Luke credits the martial arts classes and his instructors with providing him with more confidence and shaping him into the person he is today. After his military service, Luke planned to open a gym. But, when he heard about the opportunity to purchase the studio, Luke decided to turn his passion for martial arts into a career. Luke advises other veterans not to discount their passions or the skills they’ve acquired throughout the years.